Agilent, Harvard to develop breakthrough technology for nucleic acid analysis
Faster, easier analysis of dna is expected to transform the understanding, prediction, identification and treatment of disease
The speed of analyses critical to disease characterization and drug discovery are expected to be increased by several thousand times as a result of a research collaboration announced today. Agilent Laboratories, the central research facility of Agilent Technologies Inc. (Palo Alto, CA), and Harvard University have agreed to work together to develop nanopore technology, a breakthrough technology for the analysis of nucleic acids.
Nucleic acids such as DNA are the blueprints for all living organisms. Nanopore technology converts these strings of nucleotides directly into electronic signatures and is expected to make it possible to sequence individual, chromosome-length molecules of DNA more quickly, easily and cost-effectively than existing technologies. Using nanopore-based sequencing systems, a single scientist could conceivably sequence the human genome with the same speed as entire teams of researchers engaged in these efforts today.
For biomedical researchers and healthcare professionals nanopore technology could represent a breakthrough in the analysis of nucleic acids. The speed and simplicity of this new technology is expected to greatly expand access to genetic information for use in drug discovery and development, and in the prediction, diagnosis and treatment of disease. Nanopore technology may also accelerate advances in personalized medicine so that therapies may be tailored to an individual's particular disease. Ultimately, it is hoped that nanopore technology can be applied to the analysis of a range of other biopolymers including proteins.
The agreement underscores Agilent's commitment to the life sciences industry. According to Tom Saponas, senior vice president, chief technology officer and director of Agilent Labs, "Success in the life sciences requires investment in exploratory work well in advance of developing commercial products. Promoting research in the early stages of development allows Agilent Labs to make the largest contribution. The Harvard professors we are collaborating with share Agilent Labs' vision of a future created by the intersection of biology, electronics, information technology and nanotechnology."
"A multidisciplinary approach is required to advance the development of nanopore technology," said Dr. Daniel Branton, professor of Biology at Harvard. "We chose Agilent Labs because they have expertise in the fields we need: molecular biology, biochemistry, electronics, signal processing, materials science, and information science. Agilent also understands the potential for this technology and will help us achieve our dream of seeing this technology make a difference in people's lives."
Dr. Daniel Branton and Dr. Jene Golovchenko are leaders in their collaborative pursuit of ultra-fast sequencing of nucleic acids. Branton is the Higgins research professor of Biology at Harvard University and a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He pioneered the visualization of transmembrane proteins—proteins that form the basis of Harvard's earliest work in nanopore technology. Golovchenko is the Gordon McKay Professor of Applied Physics at Harvard University. Much of his scientific career has been focused on developing novel ways of deducing atomic-scale crystal and surface structures.
This research agreement provides for a multi-year collaboration with opportunity for extension.
About Agilent Laboratories
Agilent Laboratories, formerly part of Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, is one of the leading technological research centers in the world. Based in Palo Alto, California, Agilent Labs draws on the talents of more than 435 researchers and support staff. The Labs conduct applied research in communications, measurement, health care, and bioscience; fundamental research in materials, microelectronics, optoelectronics, fiber optics, and micromechanical systems; and basic research. Agilent Labs is focused on driving growth and profit for the company's businesses through technology innovation.
Information about Agilent Laboratories can be found at www.labs.agilent.com.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare. With 48,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries, Agilent had net revenue of $10.8 billion in fiscal year 2000. Information about Agilent can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements (including, without limitation, the expected benefits and applications of nanopore technology) that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results of Agilent Technologies to differ materially from management's current expectations. These and other risks are detailed in Agilent's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2000, and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2001, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Source: Agilent Technologies Inc.
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